U.S. patent application number 13/326688 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for padlock with key retention or non-retention (& snap-lock) facility.
This patent application is currently assigned to CELESTIA PTY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Scott D. Cheevers, Michael G. Lloyd, William G. Sims.
Application Number | 20120103035 13/326688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35241726 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheevers; Scott D. ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
PADLOCK WITH KEY RETENTION OR NON-RETENTION (& SNAP-LOCK)
FACILITY
Abstract
The invention provides a padlock assembly (10) which can be
convertible between a "snap lock" configuration and a configuration
where a key is required to lock the padlock. Padlock assembly (10)
includes a cam (62) with asymmetrical driver engaging means (64).
Cam (62) can be inserted in the padlock assembly (10) in either of
two positions to provide dual functionality. The invention also
provides the cam (62), a driver (50) and a shackle (36) for a
padlock assembly.
Inventors: |
Cheevers; Scott D.; (Mascot,
AU) ; Lloyd; Michael G.; (Mascot, AU) ; Sims;
William G.; (Mascot, AU) |
Assignee: |
CELESTIA PTY LIMITED
Mascot
AU
|
Family ID: |
35241726 |
Appl. No.: |
13/326688 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11579232 |
Apr 21, 2008 |
8096151 |
|
|
PCT/AU2005/000599 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
|
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13326688 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/38A ;
70/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 70/7706 20150401;
Y10T 70/7751 20150401; E05B 63/0065 20130101; E05B 11/00 20130101;
Y10T 70/491 20150401; Y10T 70/454 20150401; Y10T 70/459 20150401;
E05B 67/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/38.A ;
70/53 |
International
Class: |
E05B 67/24 20060101
E05B067/24; E05B 67/06 20060101 E05B067/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 29, 2004 |
AU |
2004902253 |
Dec 6, 2004 |
AU |
2004906968 |
Claims
1. A padlock assembly comprising: a padlock body having a first
shackle recess and a second shackle recess, a shackle having a
first leg adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, and a
second leg adapted for receipt in the second shackle recess; and
means for retaining the second shackle leg within the second
shackle recess within the padlock body; wherein the retaining means
includes: a pin projecting from the padlock body into the second
shackle recess; and a groove in the second leg of the shackle, the
groove having a stop at each end, the groove being adapted to
receive the pin.
2. The padlock assembly of claim 1, wherein the padlock assembly
further comprises: a cylinder recess and a transverse recess
communicating with the first and second shackle recesses and the
cylinder recess; and a driver located in the transverse recess and
having third and fourth locking recesses and cam engaging
means.
3. The padlock assembly of claim 1, wherein the padlock assembly
further comprises: a cylinder recess and a transverse recess
communicating with the first and second shackle recesses and the
cylinder recess, the cylinder recess being adapted to receive a
lock assembly operable by a key; and a cam having an asymmetrical
driver engaging means, the cam being adapted to be inserted in the
padlock assembly in either the first position, in which, when the
lock assembly is unlocked by the key, the key is removable from the
lock assembly, or a second position in which, when the lock
assembly is opened by the key, the key cannot be removed from the
lock assembly.
4. A shackle for a padlock assembly, the assembly including a
padlock body having a first shackle recess and a second shackle
recess, the shackle including: a first leg adapted for receipt in
the first shackle recess, and a second leg adapted for receipt in
the second shackle recess; wherein the second leg also includes a
groove with a stop at each end, the groove being adapted to receive
a pin projecting from the padlock body into the second shackle
recess.
5. The shackle of claim 4, wherein the second leg of the shackle is
longer than the first leg and the second shackle recess in the
padlock body is longer than the first shackle recess.
6. The shackle of claim 4, wherein the first leg is joined to the
second leg by a bridge.
7. The shackle of claim 6, wherein the first and second legs and
the bridge form a "U" shape.
8. The shackle of claims 4 when used in a padlock assembly
including: a padlock body having a first shackle recess and a
second shackle recess, a cylinder recess and a transverse recess
communicating with the first and second shackle recesses and the
cylinder recess, the cylinder recess being adapted to receive a
lock assembly operable by a key; a shackle having a first leg
adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, the first leg
including a first locking recess, and a second leg adapted for
receipt in the second shackle recess, the second leg including a
second locking recess, the second leg being spaced apart from the
first leg; means for retaining the second shackle leg in the second
shackle recess within the padlock body; a first shackle ball in the
transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the first locking
recess; a second shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to
fit partially into the second locking recess; a driver located in
the transverse recess and having third and fourth locking recesses
and cam engaging means; and a cam having driver engaging means;
wherein the driver engaging means is asymmetrical and the cam is
adapted to be inserted in the padlock assembly in either a first
position, in which, when the lock assembly is unlocked by the key,
the key is removable from the lock assembly, or a second position
in which, when the lock assembly is opened by the key, the key
cannot be removed from the lock assembly.
9. A driver for use in a padlock assembly which includes: a padlock
body having a first shackle recess and a second shackle recess; a
cylinder recess adapted to receive a lock assembly operable by a
key; a transverse recess communicating with the first and second
shackle recesses and the cylinder recess; a shackle having a first
leg adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, the first leg
including a first locking recess, and a second leg adapted for
receipt in the second shackle recess, the second leg including a
second locking recess, the second leg being spaced apart from the
first leg; means for retaining the second shackle leg in the second
shackle recess within the padlock body; a first shackle ball in the
transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the first locking
recess; a second shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to
fit partially into the second locking recess; and a cam having an
asymmetrical driver engaging means and being adapted to be inserted
in the padlock assembly in either a first position, in which, when
the lock assembly is unlocked by the key, the key is removable from
the lock assembly, or a second position in which, when the lock
assembly is opened by the key, the key cannot be removed from the
lock assembly; wherein the driver is located in the transverse
recess and has third and fourth locking recesses and cam engaging
means.
10. The driver of claim 9, wherein the cam engaging means includes
two asymmetric protrusions.
11. The driver of claim 9, wherein the driver engaging means
includes two slots and a keyway.
12. The driver of claim 9, wherein when the cam is inserted into
the second position, one of the protrusions of the cam engaging
means is adapted to locate in the keyway.
13. The driver of claim 9, wherein the second position of the cam
is rotated by 180 degrees from the first position.
14. A cam for use in a padlock assembly which includes: a padlock
body having a first shackle recess and a second shackle recess; a
cylinder recess adapted to receive a lock assembly operable by a
key; a transverse recess communicating with the first and second
shackle recesses and the cylinder recess; a shackle having a first
leg adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, the first leg
including a first locking recess, and a second leg adapted for
receipt in the second shackle recess, the second leg including a
second locking recess, the second leg being spaced apart from the
first leg; means for retaining the second shackle leg in the second
shackle recess within the padlock body; a first shackle ball in the
transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the first locking
recess; a second shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to
fit partially into the second locking recess; and a driver located
in the transverse recess and having third and fourth locking
recesses and cam engaging means; wherein the cam has an
asymmetrical driver engaging means and is adapted to be inserted in
the padlock assembly in either a first position, in which, when the
lock assembly is unlocked by the key, the key is removable from the
lock assembly, or a second position in which, when the lock
assembly is opened by the key, the key cannot be removed from the
lock assembly.
15. The driver of claim 14, wherein the cam engaging means includes
two asymmetric protrusions.
16. The driver of claim 14, wherein the driver engaging means
includes two slots and a keyway.
17. The driver of claim 14, wherein when the cam is inserted into
the second position, one of the protrusions of the cam engaging
means is adapted to locate in the keyway.
18. The driver of claim 14, wherein the second position of the cam
is rotated by 180 degrees from the first position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Application Ser.
No. 11/579,232, filed Apr. 21, 2008, which is a U.S. National Stage
under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/AU2005/000599, filed Apr. 29, 2005,
which claims priority to AU 2004902253, filed Apr. 29, 2004 and AU
2004906968, filed Dec. 6, 2004, all of which are incorporated
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to a padlock assembly. More
particularly, the invention relates to a padlock assembly with dual
functionality.
[0003] It is desirable for a padlock to be convertible between two
configurations. In the first configuration, when the padlock is
unlocked or open, the key can be removed. In the second
configuration, the key is retained in the keyway when the padlock
is unlocked or open; the key cannot be removed until the padlock is
returned to the locked or closed state.
[0004] It is an object of this invention, at least in one aspect,
to provide a padlock assembly which is easily convertible from the
first configuration to the second configuration and which does not
require extra components for the conversion.
[0005] It is a further object of the present invention, at least in
some embodiments, to provide a padlock assembly which allows for
easy assembly and disassembly and hence easy removal of the padlock
shackle from the padlock body.
[0006] These and other objects will be apparent from the
description of the invention below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first aspect, this invention provides a padlock
assembly including a padlock body having a first shackle recess and
a second shackle recess, a cylinder recess and a transverse recess
communicating with the first and second shackle recesses and the
cylinder recess, the cylinder recess being adapted to receive a
lock assembly operable by a key; a shackle having a first leg
adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, the first leg
including a first locking recess, and a second leg adapted for
receipt in the second shackle recess, the second leg including a
second locking recess, the second leg being spaced apart from the
first leg; means for retaining the second shackle leg in the second
shackle recess within the padlock body; a first shackle ball in the
transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the first locking
recess; a second shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to
fit partially into the second locking recess; a driver located in
the transverse recess and having third and fourth locking recesses
and cam engaging means; and a cam having driver engaging means;
wherein the driver engaging means is asymmetrical and the cam is
adapted to be inserted in the padlock assembly in either a first
position, in which, when the lock assembly is unlocked by the key,
the key is removable from the lock assembly, or a second position
in which, when the lock assembly is opened by the key, the key
cannot be removed from the lock assembly.
[0008] The invention also provides the driver and (separately) the
cam defined above. In a second aspect, this invention provides a
padlock assembly including a padlock body having a first shackle
recess and a second shackle recess; a shackle having a first leg
adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, and a second leg
adapted for receipt in the second shackle recess; and means for
retaining the second shackle leg within the second shackle recess
within the padlock body. The retaining means further includes a pin
projecting from the padlock body into the second shackle recess;
and a groove in the second leg of the shackle, the groove having a
stop at each end, the groove being adapted to receive the pin.
[0009] In a third aspect, this invention provides a shackle for a
padlock assembly, the assembly including a padlock body having a
first shackle recess and a second shackle recess, the shackle
including a first leg adapted for receipt in the first shackle
recess, and a second leg adapted for receipt in the second shackle
recess; wherein the second leg also includes a groove with a stop
at each end, the groove being adapted to receive a pin projecting
from the padlock body into the second shackle recess. Usually, the
second leg of the shackle is longer than the first leg and the
second shackle recess in the padlock body is accordingly longer
than the first shackle recess.
[0010] The padlock assembly of the invention in either the first or
second aspect may take any conventional exterior form. The shackle
may also take various forms, with the shackle or hasp having the
first and second legs joined by a bridge of any suitable shape.
Conventionally, the first and second legs and the bridge form a "U"
shape, but the shackle in this invention is not limited to that
shape.
[0011] The lock assembly operable by a key to be inserted in the
cylinder recess may be any suitable type of lock assembly,
including a pin tumbler lock assembly and a disc tumbler lock
assembly.
[0012] In the first aspect of the invention, the means for
retaining the second shackle leg in the second shackle recess
within the padlock body can take any appropriate form. Reference is
made, for example, to U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,136 (Thwing), the
contents of which are imported herein by reference. The retaining
means may also take the form of the retaining means referred to in
connection with the second aspect of the present invention. In this
second aspect, the retaining means includes a pin which projects
from the padlock body into the second shackle recess. There is a
groove in the second leg of the shackle, the groove being adapted
to receive the pin. The groove has a stop at each end to limit the
amount of travel of the pin within the groove, allowing the shackle
to partly extend to the unlocked position. Preferably, the pin is
removable, being held captive against a longitudinal face of the
lock assembly. If the lock assembly is removed, the pin can be
extracted, enabling easy removal of the shackle without the need to
disassemble the lock assembly.
[0013] The first and second shackle balls in the transverse recess
are known in the prior art--see, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,174,136. The driver located in the transverse recess is adapted
to be coupled to the lock assembly as explained in further detail
below. When the padlock assembly of the invention is locked, the
driver holds the first and second shackle balls in engagement with
the first and second locking recesses of the shackle, preventing
movement of the shackle. The driver may be rotated towards an
unlocked position in which the first and second shackle balls can
move into the third and fourth locking recesses respectively so
that the first and second shackle balls are no longer received in
the first and second locking recesses so as to interfere with
movement of the shackle.
[0014] The shackle can therefore extend to the extent permitted by
the means which retain the second shackle leg in the second shackle
recess, such as the pin and groove arrangement of the second aspect
of the present invention.
[0015] The driver in the padlock assembly of the invention may be
in one or more parts. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the
driver is in two parts, an upper part and a lower part.
[0016] In this embodiment, the upper and lower parts are
permanently joined during manufacture. Manufacture of the driver in
two parts can reduce costs. Further advantages are mentioned
below.
[0017] The driver in the padlock assembly of the invention includes
cam engaging means. The cam engaging means may be of any suitable
configuration. Preferably the cam engaging means consists of two
asymmetric prongs or protrusions. A preferred configuration of the
driver prongs is shown in the accompanying drawings discussed
further below.
[0018] The cam of the padlock assembly of the invention has driver
engaging means. This may take any suitable configuration but
preferably includes two slots and a keyway. A preferred embodiment
is illustrated in the drawings, below. The driver engaging means of
the cam is asymmetrical and designed to be inserted in the padlock
assembly in one of two positions. In the first position, when the
lock assembly is unlocked by the key, the key is removable from the
lock assembly. In the second position, when the lock assembly is
opened by the key, the key is retained in the lock assembly and
cannot be removed until the lock assembly is locked. In the first
position in the preferred embodiment, the driver engaging means of
the cam can engage and rotate the driver so that the first and
second shackle balls can move into the third and fourth locking
recesses of the driver. The cam and lock assembly are not
restricted from returning to the position where the key can be
removed from the lock assembly, even when the shackle is in the
unlocked position. In the second position in the preferred
embodiment, one of the prongs of the cam engaging means is adapted
to locate in the keyway of the cam. When the cam engages the driver
and rotates so that the first and second shackle balls move into
the third and fourth locking recesses, the keyway on the cam
prevents the cam and lock assembly from returning to the position
where the key can be removed. Thus the key is retained in the lock
assembly until the shackle is closed and the driver is rotated to
the original position, at which stage the key can be removed. Thus
the key cannot be removed from the lock assembly while the padlock
is open.
[0019] To convert the padlock assembly of the invention from the
first position in which the key can be removed, to the second
position in which the key cannot be removed when the padlock is
open, in the preferred embodiment the cam is designed to be
inserted in the assembly in one of two orientations. In the second
orientation, the cam is inserted in the assembly in a configuration
which is rotated by 180.degree. from the first configuration.
Preferably, the cam is screwed to the lock assembly by screws
(preferably two). It is a simple matter to remove these screws,
rotate the cam 180.degree., replace it on the cylinder and replace
the screws, in order to convert the padlock assembly of the
invention from the first position (key removable) to the second
position (key not removable).
[0020] It is to be appreciated that, in the first position, in
order to relock the padlock assembly, the shackle in the open
position may be pressed back into the padlock body. This is
commonly called a "snap-shut" function.
[0021] It is particularly preferred that the padlock assembly of
the invention in either the first or second aspect includes a key
stop plate and a spring, adapted to fasten together with the driver
to form one pre-tensioned unit. This facilitates padlock assembly
and disassembly. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the key
stop plate has two internal tags designed to enter a bridging slot
to seat into a radial groove formed in the driver. In this
embodiment, once tensioned with the spring, the key stop plate
cannot disengage from the driver. The radial groove is preferably
of a suitable length to prevent the driver from over-rotating when
the key and lock assembly are rotated.
[0022] In the same embodiment, it is further preferred that the key
stop plate includes a bent tang designed to engage with a slot on
the cam.
[0023] In a second embodiment, the key stop plate has one internal
tag designed to enter a receiving groove in the driver. In this
second embodiment, the bent tang of the first embodiment is
replaced by a solid protruding stop.
[0024] The key stop plate in both embodiments performs the same
function. The purpose of this is to prevent the lock assembly from
returning past the key removal position in which, in the case of a
pin tumbler lock assembly, the lower pins in the lock assembly
cylinder are aligned with the bores in the lock assembly cylinder
housing, permitting the key to be removed.
[0025] It is further preferred that the key stop plate is not
designed to rotate with the driver, being restrained by the padlock
body.
[0026] If the driver is manufactured in two parts and fastened
together in a sub-assembly with the key stop plate and spring, this
can ensure that the key stop plate and spring are held captive. The
sub-assembly can represent a single pre-tensioned unit which can be
easily assembled into the padlock. This design can be advantageous,
because it can prevent the key stop plate and spring from being
forced off the driver and falling apart, as occurs with many prior
art padlocks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The invention will now be described in connection with
certain non-limiting embodiments in the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a first preferred
embodiment of the padlock assembly of the invention in the first
and second aspects;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the padlock assembly of
FIG. 1, assembled;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the shackle shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 and represents a preferred embodiment of the shackle of the
third aspect of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an end elevation of the shackle of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a driver, being part of the
padlock assembly of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the driver of
FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cam included in the
padlock assembly of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below of the cam of FIG.
7;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a key stop plate, being part of the
padlock assembly of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the key stop plate of FIG.
9;
[0038] FIG. 11 shows the driver of FIGS. 5 and 6, the key stop
plate of FIGS. 9 and 10 and the spring included in the padlock
assembly of FIG. 1, prior to assembly into one pre-tensioned
unit;
[0039] FIG. 12 shows the components of FIG. 11 after assembly;
[0040] FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of a second
embodiment of the padlock assembly of the invention in the first
aspect, showing a two-part driver;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the shackle shown in FIG.
13;
[0042] FIG. 15 is an end elevation of the shackle of FIG. 14;
[0043] FIG. 16 shows in plan view from below the upper part of the
two-part driver;
[0044] FIG. 17 shows in plan view from above the upper driver part
of FIGS. 16;
[0045] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the upper driver part, taken
along the line LL-LL of FIG. 17;
[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lower part of the
two-part driver;
[0047] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the lower driver part of FIG.
19;
[0048] FIG. 21 is a side elevation of the lower driver part of FIG.
20;
[0049] FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of a sub-assembly
of the second embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 23 is a side elevation of the exploded, sub-assembly of
FIG. 22;
[0051] FIG. 24 shows the sub-assembly in side elevation,
assembled;
[0052] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the sub-assembly of FIGS. 22
to 24;
[0053] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the sub-assembly;
[0054] FIG. 27 shows in plan view from below the upper part of a
different embodiment of the two-part driver;
[0055] FIG. 28 shows in plan view from above the upper driver part
of FIG. 27;
[0056] FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the upper driver part of FIG.
27, taken along the line L-L of FIG. 28;
[0057] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the upper driver part of
FIG. 27;
[0058] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
lower part of the two part driver of which FIG. 27 shows the upper
part;
[0059] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the lower driver part of FIG.
31;
[0060] FIG. 33 is a side elevation of the lower driver part of FIG.
31;
[0061] FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the lower driver part of
FIG. 31;
[0062] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of key stop plate which can
form part of a sub assembly with the upper driver part of FIG. 27
and the lower driver part of FIG. 31;
[0063] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the key stop plate of FIG.
35;
[0064] FIG. 37 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a key stop
plate;
[0065] FIG. 38 is a side elevation of the key stop plate of FIG.
37;
[0066] FIG. 39 is a reverse plan view of the key stop plate of
FIGS. 37 and 38;
[0067] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the lower part of a further
embodiment of a two-part driver, designed to accommodate the key
stop plate of FIGS. 37 to 39;
[0068] FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the lower driver part of FIGS.
40;
[0069] FIG. 42 is a side elevation of the lower driver part of
FIGS. 40 and 41;
[0070] FIG. 43 is a reverse plan view of the lower driver part of
FIGS. 40 to 42;
[0071] FIG. 44 is an exploded, perspective view of a sub-assembly,
similar to that in FIG. 22, but including the key stop plate of
FIGS. 37 to 39 and the lower driver part of FIGS. 40 to 43;
[0072] FIG. 45 is a side elevation of the exploded, sub-assembly of
FIG. 44;
[0073] FIG. 46 shows the sub-assembly in side elevation,
assembled;
[0074] FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the sub-assembly of FIGS. 44
to 46; and
[0075] FIG. 48 is a bottom plan view of the sub-assembly.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0076] It is to be appreciated that the views in the various
Figures are not drawn to the same scale.
[0077] Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, padlock assembly 10 has
padlock body 12 in which there is first shackle recess 14 and
second shackle recess 16 (refer FIG. 2). Padlock body 12 also
includes cylinder recess 18 and transverse recess 20 which
communicates with first shackle recess 14, second shackle recess 16
and cylinder recess 18. Cylinder recess 18 is shaped to receive
lock assembly 22, which in this embodiment is a standard pin
tumbler lock assembly, operated by a key (not shown) to be inserted
in keyway 24.
[0078] As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and also in FIGS. 3 and 4,
shackle 26 has first leg 28 in which is cut first locking recess 30
and second, longer leg 32 in which is cut second locking recess 34.
First leg 28 and second leg 32 are joined by bridge 36 to form a
generally U-shaped shackle. Shackle 26 is biased towards the open
position by shackle spring 37.
[0079] Shackle 26 is retained in padlock body 12 by means of pin 38
(FIG. 2) which projects from padlock body 12 into second shackle
recess 16. Pin 38 is received in groove 40 formed in second leg 32.
Groove 40 has at one end stop 42 and at the other stop 44,
effectively limiting the distance of travel of second leg 32 within
second shackle recess 16. Removal of lock assembly 22 enables
removal of pin 38 which in turn releases second shackle leg 32 from
second shackle recess 16 (when padlock assembly 10 is in the
unlocked position). This enables a simple method of removing
shackle 26 from padlock body 12.
[0080] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, first shackle ball 46 is
located in transverse recess 20 and is designed to fit partially
into first locking recess 30 in first shackle leg 28. Second
shackle ball 48 is located in transverse recess 20 and is designed
to fit partially into second locking recess 34 in second shackle
leg 32. The locked configuration is shown in FIG. 2.
[0081] Lock assembly 22 is secured to padlock housing 12 by screw
21 and toothed washer 23. Assembly plugs 25 and 27 are received in
apertures in padlock body 12 as shown.
[0082] Driver 50, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6,
is also located in transverse recess 20. Driver 50 includes third
and fourth locking recesses 52 and 54 and cam engaging means in the
form of asymmetric prongs 56 and 58.
[0083] Driver 50 includes radial groove 60, being of a suitable
length to prevent driver 50 from over-rotating when lock assembly
22 is rotated after insertion of the key (not shown).
[0084] Padlock assembly 10 includes cam 62, shown in more detail in
FIGS. 7 and 8. Cam 62 has on its upper surface driver engaging
means 64 and on its lower surface lock assembly engaging means in
the form of protrusion 66. Protrusion 66 is designed to be received
within a complementary recess 68 on cylinder 70 of lock assembly
22, lock assembly 22 including cylinder housing 72. Cain 60 is
secured to cylinder 70 by cam screws 74 inserted through holes
76.
[0085] When cam 60 is secured to cylinder 70 in the first position,
larger prong 56 on driver 50 locates in slot 78 of cam 62. When
cylinder 70 is rotated by the key (not shown), cam 62 engages
driver 50 to release the first shackle ball 46 and the second
shackle ball 48 into the third locking recess 52 and the fourth
locking recess 54, respectively. Cam 62 and cylinder 70 are free to
return to the original position in which the key (not shown) can be
removed from cylinder 70 without closing shackle 26.
[0086] If cam 62 is unscrewed from cylinder 70 and reattached after
having been rotated by 180.degree., larger prong 56 of driver 50
will engage in keyway 80 of cam 62. When a key is inserted to
keyway 24 of cylinder 70 and rotated to release first shackle ball
46 and second shackle ball 48 into third locking recess 52 and
fourth locking recess 54 respectively, keyway 80 on cam 62 prevents
return of cam 62 and cylinder 70 to the original position where the
key (not shown) can be removed. Hence, the key (not shown) is held
captive within cylinder 70 until shackle 26 is closed.
[0087] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the
ability to insert cam 62 in padlock assembly 10 in either of the
two positions described by simple removal of the cam screws and
relocation of cam 62 provides significant advantages in converting
padlock assembly 10 from a configuration where the key can be
removed when the padlock is unlocked, to the configuration where
the key cannot be removed when the padlock is unlocked. This
arrangement has the advantage of minimizing parts inventory, and of
providing a robust padlock assembly.
[0088] Reference is now made to the key stop plate in FIGS. 9 and
10. Key stop plate 82 is included in padlock assembly 10 for the
purpose of ensuring that, when a key is inserted in cylinder 70 and
cylinder 70 is rotated, using the key, to the original, locked
position, it is not possible to rotate cylinder 70 beyond the
original position in which the key can be removed. In order for the
key to be removed, in the case of a pin tumbler assembly, the lower
pins in cylinder 70 must be aligned with bores 84 in cylinder
housing 72. Key stop plate 82 ensures that proper alignment takes
place. Key stop plate 82 has bent tang 86 to engage with cam slot
78 or cam slot 88 (depending on the orientation of cam 62) for this
purpose. Key stop plate 82 includes tongue 90 which engages padlock
body 12 so that key stop plate 82 does not rotate with cam 62 and
driver 50.
[0089] FIGS. 11 and 12 show driver 50, key stop plate 82 and driver
spring 92 forming a single pre-tensioned unit to enable easy
padlock assembly and disassembly. Key stop plate 82 includes
internal tag 94. Tag 94 is designed to engage in radial groove 60
on driver 50. Driver spring 92 provides the desired tension between
key stop plates 82 and driver 50, with one end 96 of spring 92
engaging driver 50 and the other end 98 of spring 92 engaging slot
100 of key stop plate 82. Once tensioned with spring 92, key stop
plate 82 cannot disengage from driver 50. Radial groove 60 is of a
suitable length to ensure that driver 50 does not over rotate when
cylinder 70 is turned by the key (not shown).
[0090] In relation to shackle 26, it will be observed from FIGS. 3
and 4 that second locking recess 34 on second shackle leg 32 is
separate from shackle retaining groove 40. It will be appreciated
by one skilled in the art that this enables shackle 26 to be
stronger than prior art shackles in which the second locking recess
is in communication with a shackle retaining recess.
[0091] Referring now to the second embodiment in FIGS. 13 to 20,
padlock assembly 110 operates in much the same way as padlock
assembly 10 in the first embodiment, and like numbers will be used
to denote like parts.
[0092] Instead of shackle 26 being retained in padlock body 12 by
means of pin 38 as shown in FIG. 2, shackle 126 is retained
conventionally by shackle ball 48, having a peripheral recess 102
towards the end of second leg 32. Second leg 32 includes channel
104 which provides communication between second locking recess 34
and peripheral recess 102 (refer FIGS. 14 and 15).
[0093] Driver 150, instead of being in a single part, as in the
first embodiment, has upper driver part 106 and lower driver part
108 (refer especially FIGS. 22 and 23). Lower driver part 108 has
an ovoid protrusion 112 which fits into complementary cavity 114 on
the underneath of upper driver part 106. As can be seen from FIGS.
22 to 24, upper driver part 106 and lower driver part 108 fit
together, with an interference fit, with spring 196 and key stop
plate 82 between them, to form a single, pretensioned unit. Cam 62
engages lower driver part 108 in the same manner as in the first
embodiment.
[0094] Apart from the differences referred to above, the second
embodiment operates in the same way as the first embodiment with
regard to reversal of cam 62.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 27 to 30, illustrated is upper driver
part 206 which in this case has "D" shaped cavity 214 on its lower
side, the remaining features being substantially the same as driver
106 and being given the same numerals.
[0096] Lower driver part 208 is shown in FIGS. 31 to 34. It has a
"D" shaped protrusion 212 designed to fit into cavity 214.
Otherwise, lower driver part 208 resembles lower driver part
108.
[0097] Key stop plate 182 shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 is similar to
that in FIG. 9, except that it includes notch 213 for spring 196.
Key stop plate 182 also has two tongues 190 and 191 to limit key
rotation.
[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 37 to 39, key stop plate 282 is
similar to that in FIGS. 9 and in FIGS. 35 and 36. Like key stop
plate 182, key stop plate 282 includes notch 213 for spring 196.
However, whereas key stop plate 182 had two tongues 190 and 191 to
limit key rotation, key stop plate 282 has a single tag 290. Tongue
90 is for the purpose of engaging a padlock body (not shown), so
that key stop plate 282 does not rotate with the cam and
driver.
[0099] As can be seen in FIGS. 38 and 39, key stop plate 282
includes solid protruding stop 286 which operates in the same
manner as bent tang 86 in relation to key stop plate 82.
[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 40 to 43, illustrated is lower driver
part 308. Like lower driver part 208, it has a "D" shaped
protrusion 212 designed to fit into a cavity (not shown) on the
upper driver part. Lower driver part 308 has a single key stop tag
receiving groove 309.
[0101] With reference to FIGS. 44 to 48, lower driver part 208 has
protrusion 212 which fits into a complimentary cavity (not shown)
on the underneath of upper driver part 106. Upper driver part 106
and lower driver part 208 fit together, with an interference fit,
with spring 196 and key stop plate 282 between them, to form a
single, pre-tensioned unit. Cam 62 engages lower driver part 208 in
the same manner as described in relation to the other
embodiments.
[0102] Apart from the differences referred to above, this
embodiment operates in the same way as the first embodiment with
regard to reversal of cam 62.
[0103] The embodiments described in the drawings are for the
purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting
on the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0104] The invention in its various aspects provides a padlock
assembly and a shackle, readily useful for the lock industry. In
particular, the padlock assembly of the first aspect provides an
elegant solution for a versatile padlock assembly, which can be
converted from a "snaplock" configuration to a configuration
requiring a key for locking, without the necessity to include extra
components in inventory.
* * * * *